Stephan Haluska: Demystifying the Harp

Sunday, February 12th, 2023 2:00  pm

Ohio Regional Music Arts and Cultural Outreach (ORMACO) and the Wadsworth Public Library present Cleveland-based harpist, composer, improviser, Stephan Haluska, in a concert on February 12, 2023, at the Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad Street, Wadsworth, OH 44281 at 2 p.m. Stephan will examine the instrument’s unique textural, harmonic, and percussive qualities. Much of his music focuses on blending traditional and non-traditional harp playing through extended techniques, preparations, tools, and electronic processing.

The harp has developed a mystical identity in western culture as the sound of angels in heaven, magic and dream sequences. Considering these stereotypes, Stephan will attempt to demystify the harp through a program of original and composed music by John Cage, Rhodri Davies, Carole Finer, and others.

The program is free, but reservations are recommended by registering online or calling 419-853-6016.

About Stephan Haluska

Stephan teaches harp and music theory at The Music Settlement in Cleveland. In addition, Stephan is on the organizational team for Fresh Perspectives, a concert series that programs immersive concert experiences from today’s musicians. Stephan holds an MFA in Harp Performance with a concentration in Improvisation from Mills College in Oakland, CA where he studied with Zeena Parkins, Roscoe Mitchell, Fred Frith and Karen Gottlieb. Stephan received his BA in Music Theory and Composition from Bowling Green State University where he studied with Mikel Kuehn, Elainie Lillios and Chris Dietz. He grew up in the Cleveland area where studied harp with longtime TMS harp teacher, Jocelyn Chang. Stephan releases original music for solo harp and with collaborative groups under his own name.